Job Description

Job Description and Duties

This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a team of interdisciplinary professional scientists in the Aquatic Ecology Unit (AEU), working across a diverse range of field, laboratory, analytical, and research activities. AEU conducts innovative aquatic ecology research and long-term monitoring in the Yolo Bypass and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The incumbent is responsible for leading the collection of fisheries, invertebrate, water quality, and other ecological data for the Yolo Bypass Fish Monitoring Program using gear such as a rotary screw trap, fyke trap, beach seines, plankton nets, and water quality instruments. The incumbent will lead field crews, operate boats and specialized sampling equipment, troubleshoot field challenges, and process chemical, biological, and molecular samples in the laboratory.

In addition to supporting long-term monitoring, the position will have opportunities to lead and contribute to novel research through special studies, from developing study plans and sampling approaches to analyzing data and communicating findings through technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations. This position requires adapting and modifying field methods to meet changing demands or situations, while maintaining high standards for safety, data quality, and permit compliance. The successful candidate will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of scientists to address complex aquatic resource management questions.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Field sampling may require traversing uneven terrain and boat activities in rugged outdoor environments and inclement weather. Field sampling may occur on weekends and at night. The incumbent must be able to swim at least 50 yards and stay afloat for at least 10 minutes with assistance of a personal floatation device, work on boats without severe incapacitation due to seasickness, and transport equipment up to 50 pounds, with assistance. The incumbent will be required to drive to field study locations and to off-site meetings and must possess a valid driver’s license.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, adaptable scientist who is excited to work across disciplines and take ownership of diverse scientific challenges. Candidates should have strong teamwork and communication skills, sound situational awareness and judgment, and the initiative to identify problems and develop practical solutions in dynamic field and laboratory environments. Above all, we are looking for someone who is comfortable learning new skills, working collaboratively in an interdisciplinary setting, and stepping into leadership roles when needed.

Additionally, a well-qualified candidate will have:

• Knowledge of floodplains, aquatic, and food web ecology and associated laboratory techniques.
• Experience coordinating and conducting scientific fieldwork in remote or rugged terrain and aquatic environments, including operating motorized boats and field equipment  (e.g., rotary screw traps, fyke traps) and implementing  field surveys or long-term monitoring protocols.
• Experience implementing sampling and safety protocols, particularly when working with specially listed species or other regulated resources.
• Experience managing ecological data with strong analytical skills, including the ability to review and interpret datasets, and applying statistical methods to research questions.
• Experience with data quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), including evaluating and managing highly variable, noisy, incomplete, or censored data.
• Experience processing biological and/or molecular samples in a laboratory.
• Willingness to learn and be proficient in genetic sample processing.
• Willingness to learn and comply with Department procurement and contract management policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Strong scientific writing skills and the ability to contribute to technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, study plans, SOPs, and scientific presentations.
• Familiarity with ecological and regulatory issues in the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary.
• Well-developed communication and leadership skills, requiring careful preparation, situation awareness and safety judgement.

Recognition that fieldwork in challenging aquatic environments may involve boats, variable weather, night work, and changing field conditions, making safety awareness, preparation, and good judgment essential.

Benefits

DWR employees are eligible for a number of benefits.  Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees and some permanent, part-time employees.  Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements, which are contracts negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define employees' wages, hours, and conditions of employment.

Some added benefits DWR offers eligible employees at this location include:

Flexible Work Hours

Free Parking

Telework Opportunities

Health, Dental & Vision Benefits

Paid Sick & Vacation

Retirement

Basic Group Term Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

11 Paid Holidays

401(k) & 457 plans

Student Loan Forgiveness

Long Term Care

Group Legal Services

We are located in West Sacramento, right off Highway 50, close to shopping, grocery stores, and restaurants. Our site offers electric vehicle charging and is within walking distance of a coffee shop and juice bar.

to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.

Personal Leave Program 2025 : Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit 

Special Instructions

To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), resume, cover letter, and supplemental questionnaire. Please reference SAP Position #50002777 and Job Control #535803 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.

The Supplemental Questionnaire is designed to elicit information regarding each applicant’s abilities, knowledge, and experience in relation to the advertised position. Please complete this questionnaire and identify a reference who can verify your knowledge and/or experience. If you do not have experience regarding the question, then include examples of similar experience that would demonstrate your ability or potential to perform the specific function. Please limit your answer to one page (Arial 12 pt font and 1” margins). 

1. Describe a specific scientific, field or laboratory situation in which unexpected conditions or results required you to adapt your approach. Explain how you assessed the problem, collaborated with others, considered safety and data quality, and determined an appropriate course of action. (Please use paragraph form and limit your answer to one page).

The following basis of eligibility will be considered:  List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.

Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section. Incomplete application packages and those not adhering to the cover letter and supplemental questionnaire page limits noted above will not be considered.

. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - Cover Letter - Please limit to no more than one page.
• Other - Supplemental Questionnaire - Please limit responses to no more than one page, see Special Instructions for details. 

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, Remote work, Flexible hours, Night shift, Weekend work

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